London is ready for spring. Behind London Fashion Weekthe city is full of new openings in theatrical productions, art exhibitions, restaurant openings and wellness treatments.
A new survey from consultancy Resonance has revealed that London is the best city in the world — at least according to those surveyed. Don’t say it in Paris, New York, Tokyo or any other metropolis.
Here, an overview of some of the new spots to visit and things to do in the British capital.
What to watch
“Standing at the Sky’s Edge”
The National Theater traces six decades of British life from the 1960s to the present day to the songs of singer-songwriter Richard Hawley. The show centers around the city of Sheffield and the lives of three different groups of people living in one area.
“Ondine”
Asmik Grigorian in the production of “Rusalka”, for the Royal Opera House in London.
Laura Stevens
The new opera from the Royal Opera House is a Slavic folk tale about a water spirit who leaves her family and home in the forest lakes to follow the prince she falls in love with. As in “The Little Mermaid”, she sacrifices her voice.
“Medea”
The Greek myth of Medea in Soho Place is synonymous with rage and vengeance as she sets out on an odyssey with Jason, leader of the Argonauts, the Golden Fleece and her father, King Aeëtes of Colchis. Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo takes on the role of Medea.
What to see
Elevator 109
Admire the London skyline with a 360-degree view from the 109 lift, which rises to the top of the new North West Chimney Battersea Power Station. WilkinsonEyre architects worked for almost a decade to revive the site which is now the location of new homes, offices and shops.
“Spain and the Hispanic World”
Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, “Daughters of Burriana (Falleras)”, 1910-11.
Courtesy of the Royal Academy
The Royal Academy’s new exhibition is all about Spain as it charts the history of the Hispanic art and culture through more than 150 pieces, from El Greco, Zurbarán, Velázquez and Goya to ceramics, goldsmithery, jewelry and more. Giovanni Vespucci’s 1526 world map is also on display.
“Mike Nelson: Extinction beckons”
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons at the Southbank Centre.
Toni Hafkenscheid
Mike Nelson’s world is made up of objects found in dumps, flea markets, auctions and flea markets which he in turn created in strong installations that reference history, politics and alternative ways of living and thinking. This exhibition at the Southbank Center is the British artist’s first major investigation.
Where to eat
Bar des Meadows
Bar des Meadows
Courtesy of Bar des Pres
French chef Cyril Lignac’s Mayfair restaurant has undergone a stylish renovation with leather interiors and mood lighting. On the menu, marinated scallops, yellowtail carpaccio and miso-caramelized eggplant to accompany cocktails named after London landmarks such as Number 10, Plum Royal and Old Square.
orange
Jasper Delamothe started a natural wine business in lockdown – the next logical step for him was to bring it to fruition. Oranj is a pub-like wine bar in the heart of Shoreditch. It’s not just the bottle at Oranj as it also serves cocktails and small snacks.
Gunpowder
Gunpowder
Courtesy of Gunpowder
Harneet Baweja and Devina Seth opened Gunpowder in 2015 to showcase Indian home cooking through cuisine that uses responsibly sourced ingredients. The menu refers to the food the founders grew up on, Kashmiri lamb chops, spicy venison and Karwari soft-shell crab vermicelli fritters. The Michelin-winning restaurant Bib Gourmand has three locations around London, including Soho, Tower Bridge and Spitalfields.
Where to have fun
Debbie Thomas
Debbie Thomas is the facialist for London stars including Arizona Muse, Dua Lipa and Jourdan Dunn. She has a team of over six therapists at her Chelsea clinic where they provide services such as HydraFacial, DNA NanoBio Revive and Slimyonik Air Bodystyler, an oxygen-infused body contouring treatment.
Loewe x Howl’s Moving Castle at Selfridges
Loewe x Howl’s Moving Castle at Selfridges.
Courtesy of Selfridges
Selfridges corner shop has a month-long installation of Loewe x Howl’s Moving Castle that picks up the Japanese fantasy epic “Howl’s Moving Castle”, about a bewitched maiden’s triumphant battle against the evils of witchcraft. The capsule includes Howl’s Moving Castle-inspired accessories and clothing and main characters Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer, a fire demon who powers Howl’s Howl’s Moving Castle.
111Skin at Berkeley
111Skin is collaborating with The Berkeley on a six-month residency of their luxury hotel spa menu and treatments. Treatments will include the 60-minute Harley Street Signature Facial, to calm and soothe damaged, inflamed and irritated skin; the Celestial Black Diamond non-surgical lifting facial and the Cryo De-Puffing facial with CRYO globes to brighten the skin. Facials start at 180 pounds.